After the decline of the Mauryan Empire in the second century B.C., various rulers controlled the regions which were once under the Mauryas, like the Shungas, Kanvas, Kushanas and Guptas in the north and central India; and the Satavahanas, Abhiras, Ikshvakus and Vakatakas in the south and western India.

During this time, 3 different schools of sculpture developed in 3 different regions of India.

• The Gandhara School of Art: It developed in the North-West Frontier of India, in Pakistan and in Afghanistan. It is influenced by Buddhism and has a lot of Greek influence. Thus, it is also called the Greco-Indian School of Art or Hellenistic sculpture. In this style, the image of Buddha is composed of Blueish grey sandstone and is seen in spiritual state with eyes half closed and seated in a yogic posture. His hair is wavy.

• The Mathura School of Art: It developed on the banks of the River Yamuna, in Mathura and nearly areas. It is influenced by three religions- Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, and had been indigenously developed. In this style, the image of Buddha is composed of spotted red sandstone. The image of a Buddha is in a delighted mood, with a smiling face and is seated gracefully in padmasana. His body has a muscular frame.